Novant Matthews Medical Center Tour

Navigating healthcare can often feel daunting, especially when facing a medical procedure or welcoming a new family member. Understanding your chosen medical facility can significantly ease anxieties and prepare you for what's ahead. This comprehensive guide offers an insightful Novant Matthews Medical Center tour, helping you familiarize yourself with its offerings and layout, ensuring a more comfortable and confident experience.

Why Familiarize Yourself with Novant Matthews Medical Center?

Have you ever felt a knot in your stomach just thinking about a hospital visit? You're not alone. The unfamiliarity of a medical environment can be a source of stress. Familiarizing yourself with Novant Matthews Medical Center, whether through an official tour or by understanding its key areas, can transform that apprehension into peace of mind.

A "tour" – be it in-person, virtual, or simply gaining knowledge about the facility – offers numerous benefits:

• Reduces Anxiety: Knowing what to expect, from parking to patient rooms, can significantly calm nerves for patients and their families.
• Empowers Decision-Making: Understanding the environment helps you feel more in control of your healthcare journey.
• Facilitates Planning: For expectant parents, surgical patients, or those with ongoing care needs, a clear picture of the facility aids in practical planning.
• Highlights Comprehensive Care: It showcases the extensive services and patient-centered approach that Novant Health Matthews Medical Center offers.

While formal in-person tours might vary in availability (especially for specific departments like the Women's Center, where virtual tours have been offered), understanding the general layout and services is invaluable.

Navigating the Novant Matthews Medical Center Experience

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is designed with patient comfort and comprehensive care in mind. Let's explore what you can expect during your visit or stay.

Arrival and Entry: Your First Steps

Upon arrival, you'll find free parking available, a welcome convenience for patients and visitors alike. If you arrive after the main lobby closes, the emergency room serves as an alternative check-in point. For those needing assistance, curbside pick-up and drop-off services are offered to help guide you into the facility. Remember, for after-hours access or general entry, you may need a government-issued ID to obtain a visitor badge.

Patient Comfort and Amenities

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center prioritizes a comfortable patient experience. You'll find private patient rooms designed for rest and recovery. For loved ones wishing to stay overnight, some areas of the hospital allow overnight guests, with rooms often supplied with reclining chairs or pullout couches, blankets, and sheets for comfort. It's always a good idea to confirm overnight stay policies with the patient's care team.

Beyond the patient rooms, the center offers several amenities:

• Café 1500: Located within the facility, it provides a variety of meal options, including hot dishes, sandwiches, salads, and coffee.
• Gift Shop: Situated on the first floor, it offers a selection of books, magazines, flowers, candy, and baby gifts.
• Sacred Space: A dedicated area on the first floor provides a quiet environment for meditation, prayer, and reflection.
• Comfort Items: Need a phone charger, reading material, or an extra blanket? These are often available upon request.

Key Clinical Areas and Specialized Services

Novant Matthews Medical Center provides a broad spectrum of medical services, ensuring advanced and compassionate care close to home.

• Emergency Department: Open 24/7, ready to handle urgent medical needs.
• Maternity and Women's Center: A significant focus of the center, offering comprehensive women's health services, including breast health and imaging, and a dedicated Women's Center designed for comfort, safety, and privacy. Virtual tours for maternity services have been a valuable resource for expectant parents.
• Surgical Services: The hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient surgery, and is recognized for pioneering robotic surgery, serving as a national training center for physicians in procedures like bariatric, gynecological, and prostate surgeries.
• Cardiovascular and Stroke Care: As a nationally recognized Primary Stroke Center, Novant Matthews provides exceptional stroke care, partnering with emergency medical services for pre-hospital care. They also offer advanced protocols for treating heart attacks and less invasive vascular procedures.
• Cancer Care: The facility includes accredited cancer care programs with a dedicated inpatient oncology unit and outpatient oncology unit staffed by specially trained nurses.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Equipped to provide critical care for seriously ill patients.

The hospital's commitment to patient well-being extends to services like financial navigators to help understand costs, free interpreter services, and spiritual care support.

Making the Most of Your Visit or Stay

Whether you're a patient or a visitor, being prepared can enhance your experience at Novant Matthews Medical Center.

• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask staff about anything you're unsure of, from directions to care details.
• Observe and Note: Pay attention to signage, staff interactions, and general flow. This helps with navigation and understanding protocols.
• Bring a Companion: If possible, having a friend or family member accompany you can provide support, help with questions, and assist with logistics.
• Wear Comfortable Attire: Especially if you anticipate walking or waiting, comfortable shoes and clothing are advisable.
• Utilize Resources: Novant Health offers patient handbooks and online resources to help you prepare for your visit, understand your rights, and plan for care decisions.

Beyond the Walls: Comprehensive Care at Novant Matthews

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is more than just a building; it's a hub of comprehensive healthcare services committed to caring for the whole person. With a wide range of specialties covered by hundreds of affiliated physicians, from internal medicine to neurology and gastroenterology, the center aims to provide advanced, compassionate care that is easily accessible. The focus on personal connections and seamless care coordination ensures that your health records are securely kept in one system, allowing for easy collaboration among your healthcare team.

Conclusion

Understanding the facilities and services available at Novant Matthews Medical Center can significantly reduce the stress often associated with hospital visits. From its accessible parking and comfortable patient amenities to its wide array of specialized medical services, the center strives to provide a positive and supportive environment for both patients and their loved ones. By familiarizing yourself with what to expect, you can approach your healthcare journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Ready to learn more or prepare for your visit? Explore the official Novant Health website for the latest information on services, visitor guidelines, and potential tour options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I schedule a Novant Matthews Medical Center tour?

While specific in-person tour schedules may vary, especially for general hospital areas, Novant Health has offered virtual tours for certain departments, such as the Women's Center. It is best to check the official Novant Health website or contact the hospital directly for the most current information on available tours or informational sessions.

What are the general visiting hours at Novant Matthews Medical Center?

In most units of Novant Health hospitals, general visiting hours typically end at 10 p.m.. However, some specialty units (like intensive care or maternity wards) may have different hours, and overnight stays for visitors are allowed in some areas, often requiring prior approval from the patient's care team. Always confirm with the specific unit or care team.

Is parking available and free at Novant Matthews Medical Center?

Yes, parking is free at Novant Matthews Medical Center.

What types of medical services are offered at Novant Matthews Medical Center?

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center offers a wide range of services, including maternity and women's health, emergency care, surgical services (including robotic surgery), cardiovascular care, stroke care (as a Primary Stroke Center), and comprehensive cancer care. They also provide diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and intensive care for critically ill patients.